smolder

views updated

smol·der / ˈsmōldər/ • v. [intr.] burn slowly with smoke but no flame: the bonfire still smoldered, the smoke drifting over the paddock. ∎  show or feel barely suppressed anger, hatred, or another powerful emotion: Anna smoldered with indignation | [as adj.] (smoldering) he met her smoldering eyes. ∎  exist in a suppressed or concealed state: the controversy smoldered on for several years | [as adj.] (smoldering) smoldering rage. • n. smoke coming from a fire that is burning slowly without a flame: the last acrid smolder of his cigarette.DERIVATIVES: smol·der·ing·ly adv.